INDIANAPOLIS — It’s a packed house at the Upchurch residence.
Carrie Upchurch has five dogs of her own. And even with all the commotion, she still opened her home to foster Forrest, a little schnauzer.
“I tend to like the big dogs,” Upchurch said. “If I have the space or the money, or I have extra, or I have the time, whatever it is — why wouldn’t I help?”
Indianapolis Animal Care Services is urging you to ask the same question.
“New foster homes are desperately needed," said Coordinator Ashley Temple.
IACS, the state’s largest animal shelter, cares for more than 14,000 animals every year.
“We're at capacity. That might not necessarily mean that every cage is full, but due to staffing shortages, we are really struggling," Temple said.
Every day, Temple receives requests from folks who can’t take care of their pet but don’t want to surrender.
“Anything from housing instability, loss of a job, need for medical care, some people won’t even go to the hospital because they don’t know what to do with their animal while they’re there," she said.
That’s why the shelter launched the Safety Net Foster program.
The initiative is a part of Indy CARES — a shelter diversion program that offers support from free supplies, food and leashes to free behavioral consultations, medical exams, and medication.
“This idea of a safety net foster program offers another solution, where the animal is given a soft place to land, the pet owner has some time to get back on their feet and the two are reunited, without ever having to stay in the city’s shelter,” she said.
So what goes into fostering a pet?
- The time commitment ranges from 30-60 days.
- There’s no cost to you or the pet’s family.
- IACS will cover supplies, as well as medical care.
IACS has only received a few applications for foster homes so far, and they’re urging the community to lend a hand.
If you’re not able to foster, IACS is accepting donations. All the money will go towards helping these animals. You can find a link here.
-
Victim identified in shooting on Indy's near southwest side
Officers responded to the 2000 block of West Morris Street on the report of a person shot. The victim has died.
Suspect in deadly FSU shooting is son of sheriff's deputy and used her weapon
A 20-year-old Florida State University student and son of a sheriff's deputy opened fire on campus Thursday just before noon, killing two people and injuring multiple others, according to police.
State revenue forecast meeting: Senate has to cut $2.4 billion from the budget
State lawmakers said there's a lot of uncertainty surrounding the economy, resulting in major cuts in the state's budget. A move lawmakers consider to be very concerning.
'HEINOUS CRIME': 2 dead, at least 6 injured in shooting at FSU
Two people are dead and at least six people are recovering in the hospital after a gunman opened fire at Florida State University, police said.
